After reading other reviews about how the cookies spread out strangely, I made the dough into small balls and cooked them in batches of 6 as I tested sizes, I made the balls of dough slightly bigger until they were at a decent size and I could start with larger batches. My husband took them to work for his coworkers (along with Mrs. Siggs Snickerdoodles) and they were an absolute hit. They were thick and moist as some reviewers complained (personally I rather liked it, it was a nice change from the other Christmas cookies I made this year), but the frosting was a very nice touch (and very pretty as well!). I also followed another reviewer's advice and did not mix the zest in with the frosting but sprinkled it on after I had frosted the cookies: it made a very pretty and colorful presentation. I will definitely be making these again.
After reading other reviews that stated that the cookies would run all over the cookie pan I decided to make a few changes to mine. In my cookies I added a half-a-cup more flour, refrigerated the dough overnight (just like a sugar cookie) and then baked them in a greased muffin pan. They came out looking just like the Allrecipes picture above. Just make sure you don't put too much dough in each muffin tin or they will come out more like short muffins than like a cookie (since they are cake-like).
I added 1 tsp of orange extract to the batter which gave it more orange flavor. Also keep in mind that if you substitute butter or margarine for the shortening it will "melt" differently than if you use shortening. I used shortening and they came out fine.
I used to make these all the time and couldn't find my cookbook with my tried and true recipe. So glad I found this one! I did add an extra half cup of flour due to other reviews. Cookies came out perfect and the icing is awesome. Next time I'll be sure and double the recipe. I highly recommend this one!
These cookies were a great addition to my Christmas assortment. The frosting is the perfect combination of sweet & tart! They're a little unusual but highly recommended.
This recipe is fabulous! Very easy and tastes wonderful!! Highly recommend.
These cookies are very good! I made half batch like suggested then with the second half I added some chocolate chips. Both ways are awesome! However these cookies do run all over the pan so next time I make them I will add more flour.
These cookies are great! I tried making them with orange pineapple juice and they came out very delicious.
The cookies came out tasty. They're soft inside - like little orange cakes in a cookie crust. I made them with margarine not having shortening and fearing that they would spread out too much if I used butter. Also to ensure against "melt down" I used a bit less baking soda and baking powder than the recipe calls for. The icing is a bit sweet for me so the second batch went without instead i left it longer in the oven until it browned they became a bit crispier on the outside.
I didn't have any problems with spreading like some other reviewers. They kept their shape and were pretty cookies. I was just disappointed in the lack of orange flavor. I used fresh oranges from my neighbor's tree but the flavor just did not come through. They were too sweet and not orangey enough for me.
